This portion of Scripture describes in detail the different types of sacrifices in the Old Testament. I must admit, I did not understand much of what I read today. I do not understand all the different types of offerings. There are great resources out there concerning the types of offerings, so maybe I need to read some of the them or at least a commentary on Leviticus. However, I can make a few observations.
First, this passage is violent – at least to the animals being killed, it is violent. In fact, in some ways I did not enjoy reading this passage because of the violence. I cannot imagine being the person who brings a lamb for a guilt or a sin offering and having to kill the animal with a knife. Or bringing turtledoves and having to wring their necks to kill them – but not sever them completely. This is violent to me. But, I guess its violence is in direct proportion to the violent act of the Fall. Adam and Eve’s innocence and communion with God was violently ripped away in a moment, and to repair that breach would take an act proportionately violent.
Thank God, that he summarized seven chapters of laws covering all offerings in one word in the New Testament – Jesus. But, even Jesus suffered such violence – proportional to ripping us away from God – proportional to the priests offering sacrifices every day for the people. Such violence makes me want to turn my head and pretend that I have not seen it. But, I cannot. I must look at the violence our sin has caused – the culmination of life devoid of love and full of sin is violence. Jesus, thank you for enduring such violence for me so that I may live a life full of love and devoid of sin. Help me to do that.
Second, I am amazed how God made preparations for each person in Israel, regardless of socio-economic status. In Chapter 5, God gives instructions for people to bring a lamb, but if they cannot afford a lamb, bring two turtledoves or pigeons. And, if they cannot afford that, bring an ephah of fine flour. Wow! In a society that refuses to care for the poor, this is an amazing contrast. Lord, help me to reflect your compassion. And, God didn’t just say, “If you can’t afford it, don’t worry about it.” I think we all need to realize that when a person is excused from payment, he/she will not own his/her mistakes. God made it where each person must pay for sin, but only within the limits of what one could afford. Justice and compassion holding hands!
Finally, I am amazed at the detail with which God gave the instructions. Don’t sever the head completely, don’t eat this part – burn it or take it out of the camp and burn it. Wave this, sprinkle that . . . And the list goes on. With such detailed instructions, I am sure I am missing out on a big picture that a deeper study would show me, but I can see that God was concerned with details. I hear people say, “Just try your best – God knows your heart.” And, I agree on one level, but on another level, I wonder is it enough? If I am using that as an excuse not to do things right, then I don’t think it is enough. God was detailed, so I am sure he is concerned with the details in my life, as I should be. Other people see the details as well. I have noticed many times when someone asks how I am doing and then keeps walking without waiting for a response. That is a detail that speaks volumes. So, Lord, help me be concerned with the details in such a way that people know I love you and I love them.
Blessings,
Dee
